Palm trees generate income to farmers due to their palm fruits, however they are affected by different upper stem rot diseases these attack oil palm plantations leading to great losses.
However through proper management and application of the recommended chemicals and following the proper tree farming agricultural practices such as weeding pruning, fertilizer application, some of these diseases can be properly and effectively managed.
Upper stem rot disease
This disease causes paleness in the the palm tree fronds, this happens due to the effect of chlorosis. The disease also causes the collapse of the palm tree trunk, due to internal rotting which reduces the length and weight of the frond thus eventually the tree also trunk collapses.
Control
Start by removing all lesion tissues, to reduce chances of attack incase incase the disease has colonised the palm tree farm. Additionally, regularly inspect the oil palm tree farm to easily locate and treat the disease at its earliest stage of invasion. Lastly, immediately apply antifungal during harvesting and pruning after removing the tree fronds.
Stem wet rot disease
This disease shows signs such as yellowing of the fronds become yellow, fronds wither and die, crowns also die and finally big hollow trunk forms at the tree base. The stem wet rot disease can be controlled trough practising good agronomic practices.
Dry basal rot disease
This disease shows symptoms such as rotting of fruit bunches, lower fronds break half way, bud rotting. The dry basal rot disease can be controlled by removing the infected palms and burying them in pit of 1 metre depth.
